- Medical students travelling from the Universities of Maiduguri and Jos were abducted by gunmen in the Otukpo region of Benue State
- Governor Alia warned criminals to leave the state, emphasised his administration’s commitment to eradicating all crime
- The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare labelled the kidnapping as a threat to Nigeria's health sector, demanded immediate and unconditional release of abductees
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, along with the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and the Federal Ministry of Health have called on security agencies to take action in rescuing the 20 medical students who were abducted in the state on Friday, August 16.
Governor Alia, in a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, warned criminal elements in the state to find a new location, stating that his administration will not relent in its efforts to eliminate all forms of crime.
NMA urges IGP to prioritise recovery of abducted medical students
In a similar vein, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) urged the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, to prioritise the prompt and safe recovery of the 20 abducted medical students.
The association voiced its deep concern for the safety and well-being of the kidnapped future medical professionals while urging the Nigeria Police Force to take swift and decisive action.
This was disclosed in a letter signed by NMA Secretary-General, Dr Benjamin Egbo, and addressed to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare as well as the Minister of Education.
The letter read, “I write on behalf of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, to urgently bring to your attention a grave situation involving the abduction of 20 medical students.
Threat to Nigeria's health sector, ministry condemns act
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare labelled the kidnapping of medical students as a significant blow to Nigeria’s efforts to develop a strong healthcare system.
The ministry urged the immediate and unconditional release of the 20 abducted medical students in a statement released, titled “The kidnapping of medical Students in Benue”. It also urged the establishment of a safe environment where healthcare professionals can provide care without the fear of violence.
The statement read, “The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is deeply saddened and concerned about the recent kidnapping of about 20 medical students and a house officer by bandits in Benue State.
“This unfortunate incident is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and students in Nigeria.
“The Ministry condemns this act of violence in the strongest terms and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted students. Their safety and well-being are paramount to us.
“We urge the relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime and bring them to justice. We also call on perpetrators of such evil activities to desist from such criminal acts and respect the sanctity of human life.”
Recall that the students, travelling from the Universities of Maiduguri and Jos, were ambushed and kidnapped by gunmen near Otukpo along the busy Otukpo-Enugu highway while en route to Enugu for the annual Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) convention.
Military deploys troops to protect farmers in the North, as banditry, terrorism rise
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Defence Headquarters announced the deployment of troops to farms throughout the northern regions of the country, with a particular focus on the North West and North Central areas.
The military high command indicated that the purpose of the deployment was to secure farmers from bandits, terrorists, and other forms of criminal activity.